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Background Aim Material and methods Results Conclusion During the COVID‐19 pandemic, mitigation measures were associated with a reduction in preterm birth rates; while not clearly proven, this observation has sparked significant interest.To understand the cause of this reduction by exploring the characteristics of preterm birth cohorts.We performed a retrospective cohort study where we compared women who delivered preterm in three Melbourne maternity hospitals and conceived between November 2019 and February 2020 (mitigation measures‐exposed cohort) to women who delivered preterm and conceived between November 2018 and February 2019 (non‐exposed cohort). We compared maternal characteristics, pregnancy complications, antenatal interventions, intrapartum care, and indications for delivery.In the exposed cohort, 252/3129 women delivered preterm (8.1%), vs 298/3154 (9.4%) in the non‐exposed cohort (odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% CI 0.70–1.00, P = 0.051). The baseline characteristic of two cohorts were comparable. Rates of spontaneous preterm labour (sPTL) without preterm pre‐labour rupture of membranes (PPROM) were lower in the exposed cohort (13.1% vs 24.2%, OR 0.47, P = 0.001) while PPROM occurred more often (48.0% vs 35.6%, OR 1.67, P = 0.003). With a non‐statistically significant prolongation of pregnancy in the cohort exposed to mitigation measures for both sPTL without PPROM (35.4 vs 34.9 weeks, P = 0.703) and PPROM (35.6 vs 34.9 weeks, P = 0.184). The rate of spontaneous labour after PPROM was higher in the exposed cohort compared to the non‐exposed cohort (40.1% vs 24.1%, OR 2.09, P < 0.001).The reduction in preterm delivery during mitigation measures may have been driven by a reduction in spontaneous labour without PPROM, which seemed to result in more PPROM later in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: This work describes a general method for the synthesis of a series of sulfenylated and selenylated carboranes at room temperature using readily available iodocarboranes as starting materials via boron‐centered carboranyl radicals. Such hypervalent boron radicals are generated by a visible‐light‐promoted Pd(0)/Pd(I) pathway. They are useful intermediates and can be trapped by disulfides and phenylselenyl chloride for the convenient construction of B—S/Se bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protein WWOX was reported to be involved in cancer progression via interaction with mTOR and DNA repair pathway. We previously reported noteworthy association of some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mTOR and DNA repair pathways with gastric cancer (GCa) patients' survival. We hypothesized that genetic variants in WWOX gene could predict the survival of GCa patients. By extracting WWOX genetic variants from our ongoing genome‐wide association study including 796 GCa patients from an Eastern Chinese population, we identified 51 out of 1913 SNPs to be significantly associated with survival of GCa patients, which passed the false positive probability tests. In particular, the intronic variant rs9922483, a G>T change, was associated with 21% increased death risk for GCa patients (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04‐1.42, P =.015). This locus was predicted to be involved in potential enhancer by bioinformatics analysis. Genotype‐phenotype correlation analysis revealed decreased expression of WWOX by rs9922483 G>T change. Mechanistically, rs9922483 locus may exhibits long‐range interaction with WWOX promoter, and the G>T change inhibited the transcriptional activity driven by WWOX promoter in luciferase reporter system. Especially, the G>T change had an allele‐specific negative effect on NR3C1 binding, and NR3C1 promoted the expression of WWOX in GCa cells. Further functional analysis indicated an increase in proliferation, migration and invasion of GCa cells by knockdown of WWOX. In conclusion, WWOX genetic variants may modulate survival of Chinese GCa patients by exerting remote regulatory effect on WWOX expression. Our results highlight the cis‐regulatory effect of genetic variants on genes and survival modulation for GCa patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: This work describes a general method for the synthesis of a series of sulfenylated and selenylated carboranes at room temperature using readily available iodocarboranes as starting materials via boron‐centered carboranyl radicals. Such hypervalent boron radicals are generated by a visible‐light‐promoted Pd(0)/Pd(I) pathway. They are useful intermediates and can be trapped by disulfides and phenylselenyl chloride for the convenient construction of B—S/Se bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal treatment strategy for refractory or relapse (R/R) indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) has not been fully identified. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of bendamustine hydrochloride developed in native Chinese corporation in the treatment of patients with R/R iNHL. Methods: A total of 101 patients from 19 centers were enrolled in this study from July 2016 to February 2019. Bendamustine hydrochloride (120 mg/m2) was given on days 1 and 2 of each 21‐day treatment cycle for six planned cycles or up to eight cycles if tolerated. Parameters of efficacy and safety were analyzed. Results: The median age of the patients was 53.44 (range, 24.4–74.6) years old. A total of 56 (55.44%) patients completed at least six treatment cycles, and the relative dose intensity was 93.78%. The overall response rate was 72.28%, and the median duration of response was 15.84 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.77–27.48 months). Median progression‐free survival was 16.52 months (95% CI, 14.72–23.41 months), and the median overall survival was not reached. Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia (77.22%), thrombocytopenia (29.70%), and anemia (15.84%). The most frequent nonhematologic adverse events (any grade) included nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Seven patients died during the trial, and four cases may be related to the investigational drug. Conclusions: This study reveals that bendamustine hydrochloride is a feasible treatment option for the indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma patient who has not remitted or relapsed after treatment with rituximab. All adverse events were predictable and manageable. This open‐label, multicenter study demonstrated that bendamustine is a feasible treatment option for indolent B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma patients in China who have not remitted or relapsed after treatment with rituximab. All adverse events were predictable and manageable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid lead halide perovskites are widely studied in photodetectors due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, most of the perovskite photodetectors require an external power source, which adds additional costs and limits their application. Here, a self‐powered photodetector based on the heterojunction formed by methylammonium lead tribromide perovskite nanocrystals (MAPbBr3 NCs) and mesoporous TiO2 (m‐TiO2) is demonstrated by a space‐confined growth method. The NCs are uniformly grown on the m‐TiO2 framework and mirco‐heterojunctions are formed. Systematic research shows that the built‐in electric field of the mirco‐heterojunctions increases the exciton dissociation and carrier transport. In the absence of an external power supply, the photodetectors display an impressive on/off ratio (>105) and high detectivity (>1011 Jones) under 100 mW cm−2 solar irradiation. In addition, the winning device shows excellent long‐term stability (photocurrent maintains over 92% after exposure of 102 days to the air), benefiting from the enhanced binding energy and reduced defect density of NCs. It is believed that this study sheds light on the further development of self‐powered perovskite‐based photodetectors with high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghrelin contributes to the communication between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Both decreased ghrelin levels and functional GI disorders are early events in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and animal models. However, the reason is not clear. Here it is found that choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)‐positive neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV), are lost in PD transgenic mice. In response to the selective damaging of DMV neurons with mu p75‐SAP, a rapid reduction both in plasma total and active ghrelin levels is observed. While by contrast, chemogenetic activation of DMV cholinergic neurons can increase the plasma ghrelin levels. Impairment of cholinergic neurons is accompanied by GI disorders, including decreased stool wet weight, stool dry weight, small intestine advancing rate, and gastric emptying rate, while exogenous ghrelin treatment can partially ameliorate GI dysfunction of A53T α‐synuclein transgenic mice. Using pseudorabies virus retrograde trace method, the existence of a direct pathway from the stomach fundus to the DMV is shown. Taken together, the findings suggest that the reduction in plasma ghrelin levels in the early stages of PD may be the result of the lesion of cholinergic neurons in the DMV, thus linking neurodegeneration and GI dysfunction in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited evidence supporting the use of taxane‐based chemotherapy combined with cetuximab to treat recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). This retrospective study aimed to explore treatment efficacy and safety in a first‐line setting. Methods: Fifty‐nine patients received ≤6 cycles of combined cetuximab, platinum compounds, and taxane (median follow‐up, 352 days). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed. Results: The median patient age was 54 years (23–75 years; 50 males and 9 females). The most common distant metastatic site was the lung. Patients received ≥2 cycles chemotherapy (33 [55.9%] received cetuximab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin; 21 [35.5%] received cetuximab maintenance; median progression‐free survival, 7 months; overall survival, 12 months). The most common hematological toxicity was Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, which was successfully managed through growth‐stimulating factors and dose modifications. No treatment‐associated deaths occurred. Conclusions: Combined cetuximab, platinum, and taxane is effective and tolerable in R/M HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐Ni‐content LiNixCoyMn1−x−yO2 is regarded as a feasible cathode material to meet the urgent requirement for high energy density batteries. However, such cathode has a poor safety performance because of reactive oxygen releasing at elevated temperatures. In pursuit of high‐safety lithium‐ion batteries, a heatproof–fireproof bifunctional separator is designed in this study by coating ammonium polyphosphate (APP) particles on a ceramic‐coated separator modified with phenol‐formaldehyde resin (CCS@PFR). The CCS@PFR separator acts as a thermal‐supporting layer to inhibit the shrinkage of the separator at elevated temperatures, whereas the APP‐coated layer functions as a fireproof layer, forming a dense polyphosphoric acid (PPA) layer above 300 °C. The PPA layer not only isolates the combustibles from the highly reactive oxygen released from the cathodes but also converts violent combustion reactions into mild stepwise exothermic reactions by carbonizing the combustibles in the batteries. Enabled with such a heatproof–fireproof bifunctional separator, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2|SiOx−Gr full cells are constructed and these exhibit an excellent safety performance by not catching fire during a 30 s combustion test and surviving the 10 min high‐temperature test above 300 °C. Additionally, an adiabatic rate calorimeter and nail penetration test are conducted with 3 Ah LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2|SiOx−Gr pouch cells to further verify the safety performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reclamation and utilization of natural wetlands can affect the community structure of soil microorganisms. However, knowledge regarding succession of microbial communities during long‐term reclamation and the links with related nutrient cycles is still limited. Using Illumina sequencing, we identified the patterns and environmental drivers of soil bacterial and fungal succession along a 150‐year chronosequence of paddy fields. Soil enzyme activities were determined to characterize functions related to C, N, and P cycles. The results showed that reclamation activity and its history have greatly altered the bacterial community structure and the bacterial groups. This change being mainly reflected in the bacterial genera Halomonas, genera Isosphaera, and family Planctomycetaceae. The change of fungal community was mainly apparent between natural wetlands and paddy fields, manifested as an increase in the classes Sordariomycetes and Dothideomycetes and a significant decrease inthe class Agaricomycetes in paddy fields compared with natural wetland. Compared with fungi, bacteria were more strongly affected by soil chemical nutrient properties and physical properties. Furthermore, the structural equation model indicated that both bacterial and fungal community structure and diversity had a great influence on the C, N, and P cycles. In summary, the bacterial community was more sensitive throughout the history of rice cultivation after reclamation than the fungal community, but both bacteria and fungi may play major roles in soil ecological functions. These findings contribute to the understanding of ecosystem functional mechanisms, which provides a new perspective for the management of natural wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) is of great significance in molecular diagnosis. The problem that should not be ignored in the identification process is that the unexpected secondary structure of the target nucleic acid may greatly affect the detection accuracy. Herein, we proposed a conditional domain‐level SNV diagnosis strategy, in which the subsequent SNV detection can only be carried out after eliminating the unexpected secondary structure of target DNA. Specifically, the target DNA is assembled into a rigid double strand, which makes folding the target DNA difficult and the unexpected secondary structure is eliminated. Based on this double‐stranded structure, specially designed probes are used to detect double‐stranded properties and report abundant domain‐level oligonucleotide information to improve the effective information in the detection results and complete domain‐level SNV diagnosis. If the unexpected secondary structure is not eliminated, the detector will first detect it and feed back to us, ensuring the accuracy of the subsequent detection results. With the occurrence (or not) of SNV and the change of the SNV site, in the proof‐of‐concept experiment, we successfully identified the four homologous sequences to be tested related to BRAF gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal treatment strategies for extranodal natural killer/ T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL) have not been defined. We conducted this prospective, open‐label, phase II, single‐center study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy followed by DICEP (Dexamethasone, ifosfamide, cisplatin, etoposide, and pegaspargase) regimen in the treatment of patients with untreated, stage IE/IIE, extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma. Methods: Thirty eligible patients were enrolled in this study, receiving radiotherapy of 50Gy/25fx, and followed by chemotherapy with DICEP regimen for 3 cycles if tolerated. Median follow‐up time of this study was 70.8 months. We constructed Kaplan‐Meier survival curves for survival analyses. Results: The most common manifestations at the onset of disease were nasal obstruction (80%), with or without fever, and pharyngalgia (20%). The overall response rate (ORR) was 96.7% (29/30). Four patients (13.3%) had progression of the disease (PD), the estimated 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rate was 86%. Four patients (13.3%) died of disease, and the estimated 5‐year cumulative overall survival (OS) was 87%. The most common hematological toxicity was grade 3 or grade 4 neutropenia, which could be successfully managed via using growth‐stimulating factors or dose modifications. Hypoalbuminemia and decreased fibrinogen are the top two nonhematologic toxicities. No treatment‐related death occurred in this study. Conclusions: Our present study showed that radiotherapy followed by DICEP chemotherapy could be an effective and tolerable treatment modality for newly diagnosed, stage IE/IIE ENKTL patients. Adverse events were predictable and manageable. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01667302. Registered: 1 July 2012; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is a particular kind of malignant tumour that originates from the B cells. The malignant phenotype of cHL is, at least in part, maintained by epigenetic aberrations, which primarily consist of abnormal histone methylation and acetylation. Progress has been made in clinical trials concerning the histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACis) in cHL. Also, some demethylation regimens could serve the purpose of preventing and treating tumours. Programmed death‐ligand receptor 1 (PD‐L1, CD274) inhibitors or apoptosis receptor 1 (PD‐1, CD279) inhibitors are used in treating patients with relapsed cHL in recent years. Academic researches indicated that PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors, including nivolumab and pembrolizumab, demonstrate remarkable activity in relapsed cHL. In addition, in recent years, a close association between epigenetic aberrations and immune escape has been explored in cHL. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, HDACis, and immune checkpoint blockade exhibit synergistic effects. Thus, this review aims to provide an overview on the epigenetic abnormalities of cHL and its effect on immune escape, in order to explore the optimal combination approach to treat the disease. Significance of the study: Cancer Statistics 2018 reported that more than 8000 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed. In recent years, PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors for cHL have been utilized, and the therapeutic strategies of HDACis combined with PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors have been raised. It is critical for improving the efficacy and decreasing the toxicity in treating the patients with cHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine changes in the modes of delivery of twins in Victoria over 33 years.Design: Retrospective population-based study.Setting, Participants: All twin births in Victoria, 1 January 1983 - 31 December 2015.Major Outcomes: Mode of birth (vaginal, planned or unplanned caesarean delivery); indications for caesarean delivery.Results: During 1983-2015, 32 187 twin pregnancies ended in live or stillbirths in Victoria. The proportion of twins born by caesarean delivery increased from 24% (156 twin deliveries) in 1983 to 71% (782 deliveries) in 2015. The proportion of twin births by planned caesarean delivery with twin pregnancy as the sole indication for caesarean delivery increased across this period from 1.8% (12 twin deliveries) to 21% (231 deliveries). The proportion of twin births by caesarean delivery and the proportion of caesarean twin deliveries with twin pregnancy as the principal indication each differed between Victorian regions.Conclusion: During 1983-2015, the proportion of twins born in Victoria by caesarean delivery increased almost threefold, mostly because caesarean delivery has become the preferred mode of birth for twin pregnancies. Regional differences in the delivery of twins suggest that the number of caesarean deliveries can be reduced with appropriate system and training support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first total synthesis of carbazole alkaloids lansine F and clauemarazole D is described. The spectroscopic data of the synthetic molecules were identical to those displayed by the natural products, thus confirming the accuracy of the proposed structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of cyclobutanecarboxamide with bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene, PhI(OCOCF3)2, resulted in the formation of 1-pyrroline via Hofmann rearrangement of the former followed by in situ ring expansion reaction of the cyclobutylamine intermediate. Further elaboration of this methodology to the synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrrolo[2,1- a]isoquinolinium salts has also been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Rigid esophagoscopy is performed less frequently by resident trainees. Nonetheless, it remains important for certain indications, including foreign body extraction. This study describes the construction of a simulator and evaluates its utility in training residents.Study Design: Simulator development, fabrication, and procedural evaluation of postgraduate trainees.Methods: A simulator was developed and constructed in collaboration with a biomedical engineering team. Residents with varied experience in upper aerodigestive procedures performed rigid esophagoscopy on the model. Key steps and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) criteria for rigid esophagoscopy were evaluated by a faculty surgeon. Pressure measurements were obtained from force sensors at the tip of the endoscope and incisors.Results: Fourteen trainees were evaluated. Operative rigid esophagoscopy and direct laryngoscopy case numbers were noted for each subject. OSATS scores and key steps of the procedure correlated with resident experience (R(2)  = 0.75, P < .0001 and R(2)  = 0.66, P < .001, respectively). Maximal pressure exerted on the simulator esophagus by the esophagoscope was inversely correlated with case number and was statistically significant (R(2)  = 0.51, P = .02), whereas length of procedure did not correlate (R(2)  = 0.04, P = .49). Maximal pressure on the incisors did not correlate (R(2)  = 0.25, P = .15).Conclusions: A simulator for training residents to perform rigid esophagoscopy was developed and utilized by a faculty proctor to objectively evaluate trainees. OSATS scores, performance of key procedural steps, and pressure exerted on the simulator tissue correlated with upper aerodigestive cases performed, demonstrating validity of the simulator.Level Of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 126:616-619, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a core–shell tellurium–selenium (Te–Se) nanomaterial with polymer‐tailed and lateral heterojunction structures is developed as a photothermal absorber in a bionic solar‐evaporation system. It is further revealed that the amorphous Se shell surrounds the crystalline Te core, which not only protects the Te phase from oxidation but also serves as a natural barrier to life entities. The core (Te)–shell (Se) configuration thus exhibits robust stability enhanced by 0.05 eV per Se atom and excellent biocompatibility. Furthermore, high energy efficiencies of 90.71 ± 0.37% and 86.14 ± 1.02% and evaporation rates of 12.88 ± 0.052 and 1.323 ± 0.015 kg m−2 h−1 are obtained under 10 and 1 sun for simulated seawater, respectively. Importantly, no salting out is observed in salt solutions, and the collected water under natural light irradiation possesses extremely low ion concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ relative to real seawater. Considering the tunable electronic structures, biocompatibilities, and modifiable broadband absorption of the solar spectrum of lateral heterojunction nanomaterials of Te–Se, the way is paved to engineering 2D semiconductor materials with supporting 3D porous hydrophilic materials for application in solar desalination, wastewater treatment, and biomedical ventures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]